Canoe Slalom events usually take place on a stretch of whitewater rapids, typically 300 to 500m long. The severity of the rapids varies, with novice competitors initially competing on gentle grade 2 to 3 rapids, progressing to more powerful, highly technical grade 4 rapids for higher level events. The rapids may be part of a natural river in which water levels are dependant on rain and snowfall, or, an artificial course with flowrates controlled by release from a dam or even generated by pumps. The canoe slalom course is defined by a set of gates (coloured poles) suspended above the river. Green gates must be negotiated in a downstream direction whilst a red gate must be traversed in an upstream direction (against the flow). A slalom course can consist of 20 to 30 gates, the majority being downstream gates with typically 6 to 8 upstream gates.

Competitors are timed down the course with additional time penalties for touching a gate (2 seconds) or a massive 50 seconds for missing a gate or passing through in the wrong direction. The course designer will try to make best use of the rivers features, ensuring that the course can be completed by the majority of competitors whilst presenting a sufficient challenge to the more experienced. Most paddlers are expected to complete the course within a time of 120 to 180 seconds. The overall result is usually determined by the combined total of two runs down the course although this can vary between local and international events.

Whilst the concept of canoe slalom is relatively simple, its execution is much more difficult. Even a beginners course requires the paddler to have good control of their canoe or kayak on moving water, a degree of fitness and the mental capacity to memorise and rehearse the strokes required at each stage of the course. Elite paddlers will be in complete control of their craft, with many moves requiring highly precise boat placement and stroke selection. A mixture of strength, flexibility and aerobic fitness is required generated by months of highly specific training routines. Whilst highly physical in nature, slalom canoeing is also a thinking persons sport. At International and Olympic competitions, practice runs are not allowed so a competitor must be capable of analysing the course layout, water features and race strategy from the bank. Very few races go completely to plan so an ability to react to the river and adapt the strategy once the clock has started is also essental.